Reporting by: HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland regional leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe) have made notable progress in their second round of talks, with both sides expressing readiness to resolve long-standing political and security disputes.
Mediation sources described the latest discussions as “fruitful and cooperative,” highlighting a new atmosphere of flexibility and compromise between the two leaders. The talks, held in Mogadishu, aim to strengthen relations between the federal government and the Jubaland administration, which have often been strained over power-sharing and regional autonomy.
As reliable information indicates, the negotiations have focused on several critical matters, including:
• Integration of Jubaland’s regional forces into the Somali National Army (SNA).
• Revenue sharing and the management of customs and port income from Kismayo.
• Jubaland’s representation in federal institutions and participation in national decision-making.
• Enhanced cooperation on counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia.
Sources close to the process told HAN News Desk that a preliminary understanding has been reached on establishing a joint technical committee to finalize security coordination and administrative cooperation.
The renewed talks are part of President Hassan Sheikh’s broader effort to restore trust with federal member states and promote dialogue-driven governance. Political analysts see the development as a potential turning point for Somalia’s federal system ahead of future national elections.
The meetings are being facilitated by a committee of Somali elders and political mediators, with observers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also monitoring progress.
A mediation source said, “Both sides appear more determined to find a lasting solution. There’s a spirit of compromise that wasn’t there before.”
The two leaders have also agreed to explore joint projects in infrastructure, trade, and public services, alongside improved coordination in anti-terror efforts.
A joint communiqué outlining progress and next steps is expected at the end of the talks. Analysts say if the current momentum continues, it could mark a major breakthrough in Somalia’s efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen federalism, and enhance national unity.
Relations between Mogadishu and Kismayo have been tense for years, largely due to disputes over resource control, political representation, and the autonomy of Jubaland within Somalia’s federal system. Ahmed Madobe’s administration has often clashed with successive Somali governments over the management of Kismayo port revenues and the appointment of regional security officials.
Previous attempts at dialogue collapsed amid accusations of interference and mistrust, but President Hassan Sheikh’s new approach—centered on reconciliation and cooperative governance—has revived hopes of a lasting political settlement between the federal government and Jubaland.
